Cruden Bay Books 2013 Melbourne Spring Carnival Berth

Undefeated young colt Cruden Bay is set for a new season return targeting the riches of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival 2013 staying on in Australia despite their Singapore ownership.

Their Flemington based trainer Anthony Freedman confirmed this week the nicely-bred son of Not A Single Doubt would race in Victoria for their three-year-old season with the aim of finishing off in a Group 1.

It was welcome news for race fans who have already witnessed two impressive victories from the progressive galloper.

On debut Cruden Bay won by four lengths at Bendigo in early March with triple Melbourne Cup winning hoop Glen Boss in the saddle.

Just 12 days later they made their big city debut at Moonee Valley and with Boss aboard again were able to retain their unbeaten status with a two length black type success in the Listed St Albans Stakes (1200m).

That victory was enough to catch the attention of many with talks they would go to Singapore to race over there for their connections.

However Freedman told Racing Victoria on Tuesday that they would stay put down under for now.

Their scheduled first-up target is an ambitious one too with Cruden Bay to step right up in class for a shot at the $220,000 Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on September 7.

“He’s strengthened up into a nice three-year-old, but we’ve still got to see if he’s up to it,” Freedman said.

“He’ll trial in a few weeks. I’m not sure what he’ll run in first up, but I’d like to run him in the Danehill.”

Their performance there will then help Freedman determine where they are at and where they are heading.

Yet to test them distance wise, Freedman is hoping they could be stretched out to a mile this time in.

Should they show ability over more metres then the $1 million Group 1 BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12 would be the logical target.

2013 Caulfield Guineas nominations close next Tuesday, August 6, along with those for a number of other spring majors including the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

If not going up in distance their likely grand final could then be another classic run down the Flemington straight, the $500,000 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) held on Victoria Derby Day during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Saturday November 2.

To follow the progress of Cruden Bay this spring stay tuned to Races.com.au.

Then for all the hottest Group 1 racing odds, both futures and Fixed Win, make sure you’ve got an account open at bookmaker.com.au – home of the famous $500 bonus welcome bet offer for first time depositing customers.